13 April 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 13 Apr 2017[PDF]

Counter-ISIS Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 13 Apr 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 24 strikes consisting of 100 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Misdirected Strike Results in Partnered Force Casualties AFPS 13 Apr 2017 -- A coalition airstrike in support of partnered forces fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria south of Tabqah, Syria, resulted in the deaths of 18 Syrian Democratic Forces personnel April 11, according to a U.S. Central Command news release issued today.
US-led airstrike killed 18 SDF militants in Syria: Pentagon Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- The US Defense Department says a misdirected US-led coalition airstrike in northern Syria killed 18 US-backed forces on April 11.

U.S. bombs, destroys Khorasan group stronghold in Afghanistan AFNS 13 Apr 2017 -- At 7:32 p.m. local time April 13, 2017, U.S. Forces Afghanistan conducted a strike on an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan tunnel complex in Achin district, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, as part of ongoing efforts to defeat ISIS-K in Afghanistan, according to a U.S. Forces Afghanistan news release
U.S. Bombs, Destroys Khorasan Group Stronghold in Afghanistan AFPS 13 Apr 2017 -- At 7:32 p.m. local time today, U.S. Forces Afghanistan conducted a strike on an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan tunnel complex in Achin district, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, as part of ongoing efforts to defeat ISIS-K in Afghanistan, according to a U.S. Forces Afghanistan news release
US drops largest non-nuclear bomb in Afghanistan Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- The US military has dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb in the American arsenal on an area of eastern Afghanistan known to be populated by Daesh (ISIL) terrorists, according to the US Defense Department.
U.S. Drops Largest Nonnuclear Bomb In Eastern Afghanistan RFE/RL 13 Apr 2017 -- The United States says its forces in Afghanistan have used the army's largest nonnuclear bomb on an Islamic State (IS) target in the eastern province of Nangarhar.
Pentagon Drops 'Mother of All Bombs' in Afghanistan for First Time Ever Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- The United States has dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb in its military arsenal in Afghanistan, NBC News reported.
US Drops Largest Non-nuclear Bomb on IS Complex in Afghanistan VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- A U.S. warplane dropped the largest bomb in America's arsenal – a 10,000-kilogram device known as "the mother of all bombs" – on an Islamic State bunker complex in northeastern Afghanistan on Thursday.
US Wary of Russian Role in Afghanistan as Moscow Holds Talks VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- As the United States and Russia clash on Syria, another war-torn nation could play out as a renewed theater for the U.S.-Russia rivalry: Afghanistan.

VOA Exclusive: Dozens More US Troops Deployed to Somalia VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- Dozens of American soldiers have deployed to Mogadishu to train and equip Somali and AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) forces fighting extremism in Somalia, U.S. military officials told VOA.

Defense Policy / Programs

NNSA, Air Force complete first B61-12 Life Extension Program qualification flight test at Tonopah Test Range National Nuclear Security Administration 13 Apr 2017 -- The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and the U.S Air Force completed the first qualification flight test of the B61-12 gravity bomb March 14 at Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.
South Korean, U.S. Forces Exercise Logistics Capabilities AFPS 13 Apr 2017 -- On a bright and windy day, a gray U.S. Army landing craft utility ship loaded with tactical vehicles and other mission equipment to support exercise Operation Pacific Reach 2017 slowly makes its way to the Trident Pier causeway here while soldiers and Marines patiently wait.
Vice Chairman Makes Case for Congress to Pass Defense Budget AFPS 13 Apr 2017 -- Speaking at an Air Force Association breakfast here today, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff expressed his desire for Congress to approve the proposed Defense Department budget and to not require the department to be funded through a continuing resolution.
Razor Talon Provides Joint Training for Air, Ground Components AFPS 13 Apr 2017 -- The opposing force scurried around the arid airfield, preparing for an oncoming attack. Without warning, a pair of A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft screamed toward the airfield and simulated multiple strafing runs, decimating a radar jammer.
New Hunter, Killer platform undergoes testing at MFIX 2017 Army News 13 Apr 2017 -- As technology advances, so too does the need for Soldiers to be able to multitask without forfeiting their primary duty. With new multi-domain platforms, the Army hopes to give Soldiers the equipment to handle the added responsibility.
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Işık DoD 13 Apr 2017
Remarks by Secretary Mattis and Minister Isik at the Pentagon DoD 13 Apr 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; Turkey Minister of National Defense Fikri Isik
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivered USS Providence (SSN 719) 23 days ahead of schedule NNS 13 Apr 2017 -- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivered USS Providence (SSN 719) back to the Fleet 23 days ahead of schedule and on budget April 7.
Eisenhower Strike Group Completes First OFRP SUSTEX NNS 13 Apr 2017 -- The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) completed the first sustainment exercise (SUSTEX) under the Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), April 11.
Gerald R. Ford and "Sea Knights" Provide MEDEVAC Support During Sea Trials NNS 13 Apr 2017 -- The future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) conducted a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) April 11 to assist a Sailor from dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) who required urgent medical attention.
Chief of Naval Operations Tours Newest Oceanographic Survey Ship NNS 13 Apr 2017 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson toured the Navy's newest oceanographic survey ship, USNS Maury (T-AGS 66), April 8 to gain a better understanding of the oceanographic information the ship provides to the Department of Defense.
Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit Seven Supports the Africa Malaria Task Force in Ghana NNS 13 Apr 2017 -- The Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 7 announced a new collaborative global health effort with the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) April 10.
90th MW provides unwavering nuclear deterrence AFNS 13 Apr 2017 -- The 90th Missile Wing conducted a successful Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test here April 10-12, 2017. The SELM demonstrates the wing's capability to provide unwavering nuclear deterrence for the nation.

Trump, Stoltenberg Discuss NATO Issues in Advance of May Summit AFPS 13 Apr 2017 -- Following a White House meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg yesterday, President Donald J. Trump praised the alliance's accomplishments, its partnership and its support in combating terrorism and confronting other pressing security challenges.
Secretary General: NATO is a bedrock of security for both Europe and North America NATO 13 Apr 2017 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrapped up a two-day visit to the United States on Thursday (13 April 2017) with a town hall meeting at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Mr. Stoltenberg stressed that NATO is as important as ever in a more uncertain world, and that its strength lies in unity and the ability to adapt to a changing security environment.
Russia censures US over approving Montenegro's NATO membership Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- Russia has censured a decision by the United States to approve the inclusion of Montenegro in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), saying the move would seriously endanger security and stability in the Balkans and entire Europe.
NATO Launches Battalion In Poland Near Kaliningrad Border RFE/RL 13 Apr 2017 -- NATO has activated a new multinational battalion in Poland near the border of Russia's Kaliningrad, with the Polish president calling it a "historic moment" for the country.

Poland May Boost Number of Troops to 200,000 By 2022 Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- Poland is bracing for a significant increase in manpower, planning to boost a number of soldiers from 129,000 in 2017 to 200,000 in 2022.

Countering Chinese Advances, Japan Scrambles Record Number of Jets Sputnik 14 Apr 2017 -- As China seeks to move deeper into the Western Pacific, Japan's Defense Ministry reports that the country's fighter jets intercepted foreign aircraft in record numbers in the fiscal year that ended March 30.

Russian Weapons Supply to Libya Hindered by UN Embargo - Libyan National Army Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- While the Libyan National Army has discussed with Russia the possibility of receiving deliveries of Russian weapons under previously concluded contracts, such deliveries are impossible at the moment due to the active UN arms embargo against Libya, the army's Commander Khalifa Haftar told Sputnik Thursday.

Ankara Looking for Air Defense Systems, S-400 Under Consideration - Turkish DM Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- The Turkish military is considering options for the purchase of air defense systems for the country's armed forces, Russian S-400 systems are on the list, according to Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik.

Defence Secretary agrees closer cooperation with India UK MOD 13 Apr 2017 -- The Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon visited India this week to strengthen UK-Indian defence and security relations.

Department Press Briefing - April 13, 2017 US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2017
Daily Press Briefing by Press Secretary Spicer -- #37 The White House 13 Apr 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 13, 2017

Private companies hope for relaxed requirements in military-civilian integration People's Daily 13 Apr 2017 -- As China pushes forward the national strategy of military-civilian integration, private companies long for more space to put their advanced technology and innovative ideas to military use.

India's MoD Reveals Which Private Companies are to Receive Sukhoi-30MKI Tech Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- The Indian Defense Ministry has introduced 20 Indian vendors to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft at the recently held Indo-Russia Military-Industrial Conference to pursue the transfer of technology possibilities.
India to Offload 25% Share of Four Government Defense Firms Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- The Indian government has agreed to sell up to 25 percent stake in government-owned defense companies, involved in shipbuilding and guided missiles, to give a push to defense manufacturing within the country.

Other Conflicts

13 April 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Apr 2017

China Appreciates Duterte's Disputed Spratly Islands Visit Cancellation Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- China appreciates Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to cancel a planned visit to an island in the South China Sea Spratly Islands (Nansha) archipelago, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said Thursday.

Saudi blockade paralyzing Yemen, causing catastrophe: UN expert Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- A United Nations rights expert has called on Saudi Arabia to immediately lift its "paralyzing" aerial and naval blockade on Yemen that has been under attack by the kingdom for more than two years now.

Assad Defiant as Activists Report Surge in Syrian Government Attacks VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is remaining defiant amid widespread accusations his government carried out a deadly chemical attack last week, as monitoring groups say his forces along with Russia have escalated attacks on civilians in a clear challenge to the international community.
Pressure Grows on Britain to Seize Assad Family Assets VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- Authorities in Spain and France have seized millions of dollars' worth of assets owned by Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian Army: Explosion in Daesh chemical depot leaves hundreds dead IRNA 13 Apr 2017 -- An explosion in a Daesh depot of poisonous substances in Syria due to air attacks by US-led coalition left hundreds of people dead, according to a statement by Syrian Army.
US agreed not to repeat Syria strike: Lavrov Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has slammed the recent US missile attack against a Syrian airbase as an act of "provocation" and said that Washington has agreed not to repeat such strikes in the future.
US missile strike on Syria 'unacceptable': Iranian FM Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says a US missile strike on Syria last week is "unacceptable," reiterating Iran's call for an unbiased international probe into an alleged gas attack in the Arab country.
Syria's Assad says will only allow 'impartial' chemical attack probe Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will only allow an "impartial" chemical attack investigation into a recent suspected chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun town in Idlib Province.
US airstrike on Daesh poison gas depot leaves many civilians dead: Report Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- Reports coming out of Syria suggest that hundreds of people, including civilians, have lost their lives after an airstrike by the US-led coalition hit poison gas supplies belonging to Daesh terrorists.
Evacuation of Idlib, Rif Dimashq towns postponed: Reports Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- Reports says the evacuation of four Syrian towns in the provinces of Idlib and Rif Dimashq, which was to take place Wednesday as part of a deal between Damascus and militants, has been postponed.
Syria's Assad Calls Chemical Attack A 'Fabrication' As U.S. Slams Attempts To 'Bury The Truth RFE/RL 13 Apr 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is claiming that allegations of a chemical weapons attack by his forces last week were "100 percent fabrication," as the United States criticizes Damascus and its ally, Moscow, for trying to "bury the truth."
Moscow Sheds Light on Condition for Renewing Russia-US Memo on Flights in Syria Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov expressed confidence in an interview with Sputnik that Russian and US military experts could swiftly resume the memorandum on air safety in Syria and address the issues of possible adjustments.
US Coalition Denies Reports Airstrike Hit Chemical Weapons Near Deir ez-Zor Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- The US-led coalition did not conduct strikes near Deir ez-Zor in Syria on Wednesday that reportedly hit terrorists' chemical weapons, coalition spokesperson Col. John Dorrian said.

Iraqi Police: Daesh Loses Centralized Command After Top Leaders Killed in Mosul Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- Terrorist group Daesh has lost centralized command after it top leaders in the city of Mosul were eliminated by the Iraqi government forces, Iraqi police said Wednesday.

South Sudan violence amounts to genocide: British minister Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- A British minister says targeted killings of specific ethnic groups in South Sudan, which plunged into civil war in 2013, amount to "genocide".

Analysts: Don't 'Gut' Darfur Peacekeeping Mission With Funding Cuts VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- Ahead of a June deadline to renew Darfur's joint African Union and United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur, U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley said her administration wants "proof" Sudan's government is making progress toward peace and protecting civilians in the region.

UN Security Council unanimously votes to end peacekeeping mission in Haiti Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a resolution to end its peacekeeping mission in Haiti after more than 20 years.
Security Council decides UN Mission in Haiti will close by October; approves smaller follow-on operation UN News 13 Apr 2017 -- Recognizing the "major milestone" Haiti has achieved toward stabilization following recent elections, the Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations mission in the island nation for a final six-month period and authorized a smaller successor peacekeeping mission.
UN to Close Haiti Peacekeeping Mission in October VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- The United Nations Security Council took action Thursday to begin shutting down its 13-year-old peacekeeping mission in Haiti.

News Reports

UK Intel First Detected Alleged Ties Between Trump's Team, Moscow - Reports Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- The United Kingdom's intelligence organization was the first to spot alleged ties between the US President Donald Trump's campaign team and Russian intelligence, the Guardian newspaper reported Thursday.

Trump aide Paul Manafort to register as foreign agent Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- Another close aide of US President Donald Trump will register with the Justice Department as a foreign agent for working on behalf of a foreign country, a report says.

Director Pompeo Delivers Remarks at CSIS Central Intelligence Agency 13 Apr 2017 -- Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
CIA Chief Says Wikileaks Was Used By Russian Military Intelligence RFE/RL 13 Apr 2017 -- The director of the CIA has lashed out at Wikileaks and its founder, accusing the organization of being a "hostile intelligence agency" that was used by Russian military intelligence to meddle in the U.S. presidential election.
New CIA Director Labels WikiLeaks 'Non-State Hostile Intelligence Service' VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- The new U.S. spy chief blasted the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks in his first public comments, labeling it a hostile intelligence organization out to damage the United States as much as any terrorist organization.

Trump Warns North Korea Against More Provocations VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump sent North Korea a fresh warning Thursday not to engage in new provocations, as reports increased of an imminent public gesture by Pyongyang to mark its biggest national holiday, possibly with a nuclear test.
DPRK's top leader makes frequent public appearances amid tension with U.S. People's Daily 13 Apr 2017 -- Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has made frequent public appearances this week amid rising tension with the United States over the latter's threat to take military action against Pyongyang.
China would protect a denuclearized North Korea: State-run Chinese daily Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- A state-run Chinese daily says Beijing would protect the North Korean government and people if Pyongyang gave up its nuclear program.
Not Our Fault: North Korea Says Washington to Blame for Escalating Tensions Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- On Thursday, a North Korean peace institute affiliated with country's Foreign Ministry blamed the US for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, saying that any strike from Washington would prompt a "merciless retaliatory strike."

Xi: Dialogue needed to calm region People's Daily 13 Apr 2017 -- The Korean Peninsula issue should be settled through peaceful means, President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, adding that Beijing is willing to continue a dialogue with Washington on the issue.

Official: 638 candidates have registered so far for presidential elections IRNA 13 Apr 2017 -- Secretary of Iran's Elections Headquarters Ali Pourali Motlaq said on Thursday that 638 persons have registered so far (the third day of registration) for candidacy in the country's upcoming presidential elections.

European Court Says Russia Failed To Protect Beslan Victims RFE/RL 13 Apr 2017 -- The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Russia must pay nearly 3 million euros to relatives of victims of a school siege that left 334 people dead in the southern town of Beslan.
UN Experts, OSCE Demand End To Persecution Of Gays In Chechnya RFE/RL 13 Apr 2017 -- United Nations human rights experts and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are demanding urgent action from Russian authorities to end the persecution of men perceived to be gay in the Russian region of Chechnya and to "thoroughly" investigate reports of abuse.
Russia Urged to End Torture, Killing of Gays in Chechnya VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- International organizations are demanding Russia investigate the abduction, detention and killing of gay and bisexual men in the country's southern republic of Chechnya.

State of emergency should not overshadow rights protection, UN experts stress ahead of Turkey referendum UN News 13 Apr 2017 -- Ahead of this Sunday's plebiscite on proposed constitutional amendments in Turkey that would, among other things, empower the President alone to declare states of emergency and determine the measures to be taken, a group of United Nations human rights experts have reiterated that even under such circumstances, protection of human rights must not be compromised.
Turkey dismissals violating people's basic rights: UN Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- A panel of UN human rights experts has blasted Turkey for violating people's rights to work and education through dismissals made possible under a state of emergency declared following last year's failed military coup.

Protests erupt in Venezuela's poorer areas, two killed in unrest Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- Anti-government protests have erupted in Venezuela's poorer areas, where the socialist government of President Nicolas Maduro would have normally been expected to have stronger popular support.

UN Envoy: Cameroon Should Release Detainees, Restore Internet, Open Dialogue to End Strike VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- The U.N. special envoy for Central Africa visited Cameroon this week to seek an end to the months-long stalemate on the strike and unrest in English-speaking parts of the country.
Cameroon: UN envoy encourages authorities to restore the Internet in country's English-speaking regions UN News 13 Apr 2017 -- The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa, François Louncény Fall, urged today Cameroonian authorities to examine with diligence the difficulties of the populations and entrepreneurs of the English-speaking regions of the north-west and south-west, which have been deprived of Internet since mid-January 2017.

Famine looms for millions; UN Member States urged to 'dig deep into reserves of common humanity' UN News 13 Apr 2017 -- Senior United Nations officials today refocused the spotlight on Secretary-General António Guterres' mid-February 'call to action' on behalf of some 20 million people across four countries that now face the risk of famine.

Cambodia Slams Critics, Claiming They're Part of US-funded Regime-change Plot VOA 13 Apr 2017 -- Cambodia's foreign ministry has issued a broad rebuttal to accusations of human rights abuses and political repression that have dogged the rule of Prime Minister Hun Sen for decades.

State Department Terrorist Designations of Tarek Sakr and Farah Mohamed Shirdon US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2017 -- The Department of State has designated Tarek Sakr and Farah Mohamed Shirdon as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a serious risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.

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